If it is indeed a slam dunk that the Packers have no intention of re-upping with free agent DE Cullen Jenkins — a sentiment that Jenkins publicly revealed earlier this week — you certainly wouldn't know it after hearing the comments of both GM Ted Thompson and head coach Mike McCarthy on that subject at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Thompson was asked if he had any thoughts on Jenkins' disclosure to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel shortly before the Combine that he's "99 percent sure" he's gone.

"No, other than we would like to keep all of our free agents," the Packers GM predictably responded. "We think that's good business, good policy, and we'll try with Cullen."

McCarthy was equally non-committal.

"I have great respect for Cullen. But I'm not going to get into these types of decisions. It's part of the business side of it. You'd like to have all your players back. (Let's) just see what happens."

McCarthy also refused to get into the widespread speculation that starting ILB A.J. Hawk could be on his way out of Green Bay with the team currently on the hook for Hawk's guaranteed $10 million salary in 2011. But the Packers' head coach was more than willing to reflect on what he thought was a very strong season from the former first-round pick.

"A.J., as a football player and a person, he's exactly what you're looking for," McCarthy said. "A.J. grew tremendously, not only as a player, but as a leader in our locker room this year. I thought he had a heck of a year. Hopefully everything works out."
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/02/26/packers-staying-mum-on-jenkins-hawk

El Tejano

02-28-2011, 11:45 AM

This may be the best time to switch to a 3-4. Looks like alot of good players with experience will be ready.